In brief
Linh Mai, the first elephant calf born at the Smithsonian National Zoo in 25 years, made her public debut recently. Born on February 2, Linh Mai is already a curious and playful addition to the zoo, finding joy in her new environment. Fans can watch her adventures live on the zoo's elephant cam.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The hottest new celebrity in Washington, D.C., is Asian elephant calf Linh Mai, who made her public debut Wednesday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. She is the first elephant calf born at the zoo in 25 years. Mother elephant Nhi Linh gave birth to Linh Mai on Feb. 2 after nearly two years of pregnancy. Robbie Clark, the zoo’s elephant manager, said, 'Linh Mai is a hoot, she’s a fantastic little elephant to get to know.' 'She’s very curious,' Clark added. 'She’s learning how to be quite playful with the enrichment and the environment that she’s living in, and she’s confident.' The Asian elephants at the National Zoo live in an expansive area called Elephant Trails, which contains outdoor walkways and pools. Fans who can’t visit Washington can check out Linh Mai on the zoo’s elephant cam.